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Career as a Legal Secretary
Contributor(s): Institute for Career Research (Author)

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 ISBN: 1515284069     ISBN-13: 9781515284062
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
OUR PRICE: $9.98  

Binding Type: Paperback
Published: July 2015
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Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Law
Physical Information: 0.07" H x 5.98" W x 9.02" L (0.13 lbs) 34 pages
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
LEGAL SECRETARIES ARE THE NAMELESS heroes who work behind the scenes in the big law cases that grab headlines every day. Only in rare instances do they find fame and fortune. Perhaps the most famous exception is Erin Brockovich, the brash legal secretary who fought evil big business and won boatloads of cash for a small California town where residents were sickened by corporate pollution. Her real-life story was a box-office movie hit in 2000. Legal secretaries are on the front line of a law office, representing the law office as the first person clients see or talk to. In addition to clients, they deal with a constant stream of attorneys, staff members, expert witnesses, and other involved parties. Behind the scenes, they perform a wide range of duties. They prepare and help process legal documents, such as appeals and motions. They write briefs, conduct research, complete forms, and manage tons of files, both digital and in print. All of this is a big responsibility that takes confidence and the ability to juggle many tasks and roles at the same time. Legal secretaries belong to one of the most employable groups in the world. One important reason is that the skills necessary to be a good legal secretary carry over to many other positions, professions, and businesses. Jobs for legal secretaries are plentiful at every level, from entry-level all the way up to the positions paying $50,000 and more. Getting started in this career is strikingly easy. A high school diploma and some basic office skills can qualify you for an entry-level position. Particularly in small law firms, lawyers are willing to teach bright, ambitious people how to be legal secretaries. However, the job prospects are better for students with formal training beyond high school. Many career schools and community colleges offer legal secretary certificate or associate degree programs that only take a year or two to complete. Program graduates are prepared to hit the ground running with knowledge of legal topics, litigation procedures, court filings, legal research, records management, legal terminology, and law office administration. Most legal secretaries work in private law firms. Many others are employed by in-house corporate legal departments, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. These types of offices are found all over the world. Because legal secretaries are considered an essential part of every legal team, they can expect to find jobs in almost any location they want. Being familiar with legal terminology, court filing rules, basic legal procedures, and law office protocol is important. In addition to knowledge and skills though, it takes certain personality traits to be successful (and happy) as a legal secretary. Excellent communications skills are vital. So are time management and organizational skills. Above all, legal secretaries must be extremely detail and deadline-oriented, since missing a filing deadline could result in a default judgment (automatically losing a case). For those who can handle the pressure, the rewards are great. Working as a legal secretary is being part of a team of dynamic, interesting people, working together in a fast-¬paced environment. Every day brings new and interesting challenges. The legal field is an ever-shifting landscape that is exciting, intellectually stimulating, and never boring. If you are a people person who is interested in the law, but not necessarily law school, this career is worth a look. Getting started is easy, little education is required, the average starting salary is $35,000 plus generous benefits, and the work is satisfying. Sound good? Read on to learn more about how to begin a career as a legal secretary.
 
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